MG MOTOR UK ZS HATCHBACK 1.5 Hybrid+ SE 5dr Auto

The MG ZS Hybrid+ makes proper petrol/electric power significantly more affordable in a small SUV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

MGs entry-level SUV the ZS makes a much more credible statement in this second generation form, with sales centred around this frugal Hybrid+ version. Do you really need a pricier small crossover than this?

Background

It's difficult to remember now what a fledgling brand MG was in the UK prior to 2017 when the first generation version of the company's ZS compact crossover was originally launched. More than any other, it was the model that properly established this new-era Chinese marque here and over 102,000 examples of the MK1 model subsequently found British buyers. Even in its last year on sale, it out-sold rivals from more established brands like the Dacia Duster, the Skoda Kamiq and the SEAT Arona. Building on that success is this second generation ZS, launched in early Autumn 2024. Unlike its predecessor, it won't be available in full-EV form - the old ZS EV will be replaced by crossover model based on the MG4 hatch. Instead, ZS sales will primarily be based around the Hybrid+ model we look at here, though this model also comes in un-electrified base SE petrol form if you need a lower sticker price.

Driving Experience

The base SE petrol version of this ZS still uses one of the oldest and most inefficient engines it's possible to buy, so the sophistication of the powerplant in this Hybrid+ model is something of a pleasant shock. It's the same self charging non-plug-in Hybrid offered in the second generation MG3. Yes, like you can get in this segment (for significantly more money) with a Toyota Yaris Cross or a Honda HR-V e:Hybrid. But this front-driven powerplant gives you a lot more power than you'd get with those established rivals (presumably because MG also wants to use it in other heavier models). It combines a 102PS 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 136PS electric motor to give a combined 196PS total output. Hence the quite eager 0-62mph time of 8.7s en route to 104mph. Full-Hybrids always come only with automatic transmission, but this one is unusual because it only has three speeds (one less than the clunky auto of the old car). MG says this gives more responsive acceleration. As usual with self-charging full-Hybrids, the battery pack (1.83kWh in this case) isn't large enough to take the car very far on electric power alone. But EV assistance cuts in and out frequently during town travel to aid efficiency. The car can also be driven in Series mode with the engine acting as a generator. Or as a Parallel Hybrid where the two power sources work together to generate the full 196PS output.

Design and Build

The original ZS had very much a bargain basement look that increasingly didn't fit with the kind of company that these days makes forward-thinking designs like the Cyberster and the MG4. This second generation ZS is a much more satisfying-looking thing, borrowing cues from second generation versions of the MG3 supermini and the larger HS SUV. That means a wide, distinctive front grille flanked by narrow air intakes on either side. The usual octagonal MG badge features on the nose above a contrasting lower bumper section emulating a skid plate. LED lighting predictably features front and rear. And size-wise, think compact crossovers like the Ford Puma or Peugeot 2008; the mid-sized Qashqai/Kuga SUV-class is left to the larger HS model. It's a lot more modern and nicer feeling inside too, where screens of course dominate, a 7 inch one for the instruments and 12.3-inch central monitor for infotainment. The latter has standard built-in navigation, a reversing camera and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' connectivity. The quality of fixtures and fittings is noticeably better than before; you could now switch to one of these from a comparable Ford or Vauxhall without feeling miserly. And if you did, you'd get more back seat space; two adults would be decently comfortable. And a larger 443-litre boot (though that's 5-litres less than the previous model offered). Folding down the rear bench extends that to 1,457-litres - which is 82-litres more than the old car.

Market and Model

Value is what will continue to sell this ZS, though it's worth reflecting that this Hybrid+ version's £22,000 starting price is a full £3,500 more than the mechanically identical MG3 Hybrid+ supermini, which isn't all that much smaller. Unlike the base SE petrol version (which costs £2,500 less), the ZS Hybrid+ is available in two trim levels, 'SE' and 'Trophy', with the range topping 'Trophy' variant priced at around £24,500 from launch. Both are supported by a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer's warranty and a network of over 160 dealers. Both models come generously equipped with full-LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch HD infotainment display with navigation and live services, a 7-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry. The 'MG Pilot' package, which comprises a comprehensive range of safety and driver assistance technologies, is standard on both models and includes adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist. For its additional £2,500, the 'Trophy' version gains 18-inch 'Sabre' alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather style upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 6-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a 360° surround view camera.

Cost of Ownership

As with the MG3, advanced, smart features of the Hybrid+ system include a drive and charge system that allows the petrol engine to drive the wheels whilst also charging the battery through the generator. You'll need to stay away from that feature though to achieve the claimed best efficiency figures - nearly 60mpg on the combined cycle and 115g/km of CO2 (it's 64.2mpg and 100g/km for the MG3 Hybrid+ supermini). To achieve this MG's stated figures, you'll obviously have to regularly select the provided Eco driving mode - the other two settings are 'Standard' and 'Sport'. What about other running cost issues? Well, all versions of this MG come with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer. You might be aware that rival Kia offers a seven-year 100,000 mile package, but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. Many competitors still limit you to a three year back-up package; a few offer five years. MG does better: this is the brand putting its money where its mouth is. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. The MG dealer network is growing all the time - the brand expects to shortly have 120 outlets in the UK. At those outlets, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle. You'll be offered a range of MG servicing plans to spread the cost of maintenance for up to seven years.

Summary

The original MG ZS was cheap and well-equipped but, frankly, there weren't many other reasons to choose it. This replacement model will give competing brands far more to think about, though for such an EV-led maker, you might find it strange that there's now no battery-powered version. MG has other plans in that direction and that does at least leave the spotlight on the Hybrid+ variant we've focused on here, which right now for a lot of potential customers would be a better choice than an EV anyway. Compared to nearly all its direct compact SUV segment rivals, this ZS Hybrid+ is cheaper, more spacious, better equipped much more powerful. It's more frugal than most of them too. If all of this had been delivered with the cheap-feeling cabin and Lidl looks of the previous generation model, it still might not have been enough for sales success, but significant steps forward have been made in both directions. You'll still find many pricier segment rivals are more avant-garde to look at and sit in, but MG is closing the gap. Creating here a small SUV you'd be unwise to ignore.

Body Glass

Front and rear aero wiper

Front and rear electric windows with driver's one-touch up/down

Heated rear window

Rain sensor wiper

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

EBA

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Electronic Stability Programme

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

iSmartphone connectivity

Mobile phone bluetooth key

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Driver Aids

MG Pilot Custom function

Wireless charger

Driver Convenience

3 driving modes Normal, Eco, Sport

3 Energy regeneration modes (1, 2, 3)

360 high-definition camera with rear sensor

Adaptive cruise control with intelligent cruise assist

Blind zone detection with lane change assist

Driver monitoring system

Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)

Engine start button

Forward collision warning

Intelligent speed limit assist

Lane keep assist with lane departure warning system

Power assisted steering

Rear cross traffic alert

Rear parking camera

Rear parking sensor

Unsteady driving warning

Driver Information

'Lights On' Reminder warning buzzer

12.3" colour touchscreen

7" Driver display

Satellite navigation with speed limit recognition

Traffic jam assist

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Body colour electric heated/adjust/manual fold mirrors

Manual dimming rear view mirror

Entertainment

1x in rearview mirror USB Power only - Type A

1x USB port at rear (power only) type A

2x USB-C ports at front (x1 data, x1 power only)

6 speaker audio system

DAB audio

Radio, MP3 and AUX/USB

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Body colour door handles

Chrome side window trim

Rear side wing doors

Rear spoiler

Silver roof rails

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamps

Follow me home headlights

Intelligent headlamp control

LED centre brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED projector headlights

LED rear lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

12V power sockets

Driver's footrest

Fabric upholstery

Front adjustable cup holder

Front centre armrest with storage

Front grab handles

Front sun visors with driver and passenger mirrors

Glovebox

Internal chrome door handles

Multifunctional steering wheel

Reach and rake 4 way adjust steering column

Rear grab handle

Two position boot floor

Interior Lights

Boot light

Front interior courtesy light with time delay and reading lights

Illuminated switches and controls

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Active emergency braking with pedestrian/Bicycle detection

Anti rolling protection

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Drivers seatbelt reminder

Dual front airbags

Front and rear passenger seat belt reminder

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

Front seatbelts (3-point + pretensioner + load limiter)

Front side airbags

Fuel cut off safety device

Rear door child safety locks

Rear isofix x2

Side curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seats

2nd row 60/40 split/fold

3 rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

4 way manually adjustable passenger seat

6 way manual driver seat

Adjustable rear headrests

Front headrests

Single front passenger seat

Security

Alarm system and engine immobiliser

Automatic latching door

Keyless entry

Remote Central Locking with Fold-away Key

Speed sensing door locks

Wheels - Alloy

17" Valiant alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.8

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Usable Battery Capacity: 0.9

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 115

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1498

Compression Ratio: 16.0:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Gears: 3 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 2.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 57.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 126.1

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 196

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: Hybrid+

Coin Series: SE

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 2

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22A

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 7

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 75

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 73

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 80000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.7

Engine Power - BHP: 196

Engine Power - KW: 145

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5462

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 343

Engine Torque - MKG: 47.4

Engine Torque - NM: 465

Engine Torque - RPM: 2731

Top Speed: 104

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: VALIANT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1635

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4430

Wheelbase: 2610

Width: 1818

Width (including mirrors): 2087

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 41

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1880

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1457

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 443

Max. Loading Weight: 470

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 500

Minimum Kerbweight: 1410

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.51

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Tri coat paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Battersea Blue

Metallic - Black pearl

Metallic - Camden grey

Metallic - Cosmic silver

Metallic - Emerald green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Tri coat - Dynamic Red

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Black